Why Eliminate the Mouchettes?

Flycatchers, particularly attracted by the smell of mushrooms, can quickly become a scourge for growers. These small insects, often fruit flies, lay their eggs on mushrooms, which can lead to an infestation in no time. Once the larvae hatch, they begin feeding on the fungi's tissues, causing significant damage.

This infestation leads to a reduction in the quality and quantity of crops. Second and third harvests are particularly affected, as damage from larvae can weaken the fungi and reduce their production potential.

Additionally, the presence of speckles can promote the development of secondary diseases, making the final product less attractive to consumers. Therefore, controlling these insects is crucial to ensuring the viability and profitability of your mushroom crop.

Problematic Period and Reproductive Cycle of Flies

Speckles can be especially problematic during the hot, humid months of summer and early fall. These conditions favor their rapid reproduction.

Optimal temperatures for speckling reproduction are generally between 20°C and 30°C. At these temperatures, the reproductive cycle can be completed in as little as 7 to 10 days, depending on the species and environmental conditions.

In fruiting rooms, several types of specks can be problematic:

• Drosophila melanogaster (the vinegar fly): This species is particularly attracted to sweet odors and can quickly colonize mushroom crops.
• Scaptomyza flava: Known for its ability to thrive in humid environments, this fly can also lay its eggs on mushrooms, leading to rapid infestation.
• Coelostoma spp.: Less known, this fly is often present in mushroom crops, where it can cause damage similar to that of the fruit fly.

It is crucial to monitor these species and act quickly in the event of an infestation to protect your crops.

Use of Sticky Traps

To control the fly population, the use of sticky traps is an essential first step. Placing tape or adhesive sheets in growing areas can help catch adults. Yellow traps are particularly effective because they attract these insects. These devices help monitor and reduce the number of flies present, helping to protect your mushroom crops.

Preventing the Proliferation of Flies

After each harvest, it is crucial to clean the growing areas thoroughly, removing all mushroom residue. Debris can serve as a breeding ground for speckle flies. It is advisable to collect all the leftover mushrooms and throw them into an airtight bag. If larvae are present, it is imperative to immediately discard the contaminated blocks to avoid rapid spread of harmful insects.

Importance of Cleaning

Regular cleaning is essential to prevent the return of specks. Inspect hard-to-reach areas frequently and clean with a soapy water or bleach solution to remove bacteria and other fly-attracting residue. Cleaning should be carried out after each harvest, but also preventatively to ensure that no waste is left behind, minimizing the risk of future infestation.

Create Positive Pressure in the Fruiting Room

For growers in airtight spaces, creating positive pressure by putting in more air than comes out can help keep specks away. This, however, requires a mosquito filter on the air inlets to prevent insect intrusion. By maintaining a constant outward flow of air, you reduce the risk of flies entering your grow space.

Electric Fly Catcher

One of the most effective solutions is the electric fly trap, which uses UV light to attract and electrocute flies. By installing a device in the growing area, you can significantly reduce their population. This type of flytrap is economical and low maintenance, making it a popular choice among growers.

Organic Products and Natural Predators

In addition to traps and fly catches, there are products that can be used in organic farming, such as insecticides based on neem or pyrethrum, which can help control fly populations without harming the environment. Additionally, the introduction of natural predators, such as predatory fruit flies or nematodes, can also be an effective method to regulate the fly population by reducing their reproductive cycle.

Prevention is better than cure

It is important to emphasize that it is easier to prevent than to cure. By implementing preventative measures from the start of cultivation, such as regular cleaning and the use of traps, you can avoid infestations. A proactive approach is essential to maintaining a healthy and productive growing environment.

Varieties of Mushrooms Attracting Flycatchers

Certain varieties of mushrooms are particularly likely to attract specks due to their smell or their cultivation method:

• Yellow Oyster Mushrooms: Their sweet smell attracts specks, making them an easy target for these insects.
• Pink Oyster Mushrooms: In addition to their smell, their short lifespan makes them more vulnerable to infestations.
• Button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus): Cultivated on a substrate based on manure, it gives off an odor that attracts flies.

These varieties require special attention to avoid infestations.

Conclusion

Fighting against specks is essential to preserve the quality of your mushroom harvests. Sometimes it may be better to harvest less and discard old bales, rather than trying to maximize harvests as much as possible, which could lead to a speckled infestation in your grow rooms.

Share your experiences and advice in the comments, and don’t hesitate to forward this article to other growers facing the same problem.